Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
GO GREEN IN SANTA BARBARA
Santa Barbara's biggest eco-travel initiative is
Santa Barbara Car Free
(
www.santabarbaracarfree.org
). Browse the website for tips on seeing the city without
your car, plus valuable discounts on accommodations, vacation packages, rail travel and
more. Still don't believe it's possible to tour Santa Barbara without a car? Let us show you
how to do it.
From LA, hop aboard the Pacific Surflinerfor a memorably scenic three-hour coastal
ride to Santa Barbara's Amtrak station, a few blocks from the beach and downtown. Then
hoof it or catch one of the electric shuttles that zips north-south along State St and east-
west along the waterfront. Take MTD bus line 22 to reach the famous mission and the
botanic gardens. For a DIY cycling tour,
Wheel Fun Rentals
is a short walk from the train
station.
Even Santa Barbara's Wine Country is getting into the sustainable swing of things.
More and more vineyards are implementing biodynamic farming techniques and follow-
ing organic guidelines. Many vintners and oenophiles are starting to think that the more
natural the growing process, the better the wine, too.
Sustainable Vine Wine Tours
whisks
you around family-owned sustainable vineyards. Minimize your carbon footprint even fur-
ther by following Santa Barbara's
Urban Wine Trail
on foot. If you love both wine and food,
Edible Santa Barbara
(
http://ediblecommunities.com/santabarbara/
)
magazine publishes in-
sightful articles about vineyards and restaurants that are going green. It's available free at
many local markets, restaurants and wineries.
Santa Barbara County abounds with ecofriendly outdoor activities, too. Take your pick
of hiking trails, cycling routes, ocean kayaking, swimming, surfing or stand-up paddle
boarding (SUP). If you're going whale-watching, ask around to see if there are any
alternative-fueled tour boats with trained onboard naturalists.
Getting Around
Local buses operated by the
Metropolitan Transit District
(MTD; 805-963-3366;
www.sbmtd.gov
)
cost $1.75 per ride (exact change, cash only). Equipped with front-loading
bike racks, these buses travel all over town and to adjacent communities; ask for a free
about routes and schedules.
